Beat the Heat: Best Cool Treat Spots in Honolulu

Hawai‘i summers are all about sunshine, salty breezes — and finding that perfect spot to chill out with something cold and delicious. Whether you’re exploring neighborhoods or just taking a break from the beach, here are my top places to cool down in Honolulu:

🍧 Waiola Shave Ice – Mo‘ili‘ili & Kapahulu
A local classic! Super fine ice, tons of flavor options, and toppings like condensed milk or mochi balls. My go-to when I want a local treat. If I'm in the neighborhood, I'm definitely stopping here!

🍦 Banan – Waikīkī, Kaimukī 
Banana soft serve that tastes just like ice cream, without the dairy! A great, healthy way to get your fix of a sweet treat. They use Hawaiian grown bananas and other island grown ingredietns. So many different flavorts to choose from too.

🍨 Via Gelato – Kaimukī
Locally inspired flavors like lilikoi cheesecake and Kona coffee. A cozy, artsy spot perfect for an afternoon treat between open houses.

🍍 Island Vintage Coffee (for açaí bowls) – Waikīkī
Okay, not technically a frozen treat... but their açaí bowls hit the cold, refreshing, fruity trifecta. 

🍓Nalu (for açaí bowls) - Ward

Love the location since it's close to many showings that I do. Plus, you can also get some shopping in! Nalu's bowl is so satisfying and voted one of the best bowls by Frolic Hawaii. 

🥤 Chaya – Kahala
When you're craving a refreshing drink, this is the place to go! Conveniently located in Kahala Mall, their strawberry matcha drink has real strawberries and home made boba. 

Whether you're house-hunting or just cruising through town, there’s no better way to beat the heat than with a local treat and a scenic spot to kick back.

Want the inside scoop on cool neighborhoods, too? I’ve got you covered — real estate and really good food are my thing.